Alternative folklore: Tradition and modernity in perfect harmony
Alternative folklore is a contemporary reinterpretation of Argentine musical traditions. This genre combines traditional folk music with modern influences such as rock, pop, electronic music, and jazz . Without losing sight of its roots, alternative folklore broadens its horizons to connect with new generations through fresh sounds and creative approaches.
Artists like Los Tableros, winners of the 2024 Gardel Award for Best Alternative Folklore Album, have taken this movement to new levels of recognition. Alongside them, artists like Soema Montenegro and Tonolec stand out for their ability to blend the ancestral and the contemporary, reinventing zambas, chacareras, and milongas with a unique style.
In this context, other projects are emerging strongly, such as Flamamé and La Colmena, both released by El Club del Disco, which bring their innovative vision to alternative folklore. Alongside these, albums like "Girasol que mira dentro" by Carlos Álvarez, " Para animar las pasiones" by Icalma, "Aleteo" by Carolina Peleritti, and "Todo era primero" by Seba Ibarra reflect the richness and diversity of this movement.
Tradition and modernity
Rather than strictly adhering to traditional forms, alternative folk musicians reinterpret zambas, chacareras, and milongas from a personal and experimental perspective. This movement celebrates sonic diversity, incorporating synthesizers, electric guitars, and electronic beats, without losing sight of the essence of the rural and the ancestral.
Flamamé: Tradition Redefined Through Music
One of the most vibrant examples of this style is Flamamé , a female musical collective that has revolutionized the scene with their debut album. Their approach combines folk roots with contemporary lyrics that address themes such as empowerment, identity, and social change. Songs with powerful percussion, striking vocal harmonies, and a touch of electronica make Flamamé a unique sonic experience, connecting with audiences in both Argentina and Spain.
The Hive: Folk and Experimentation
Another essential reference is La Colmena , a group that takes folklore to unexpected places, blending traditional instruments with modern textures. Their most recent album reimagines folklore through complex arrangements and an experimental approach, achieving a sound that is both accessible and innovative.
Yacaré Manso and other voices of alternative folklore?
Among the new voices in this genre, Yacaré Manso deserves special mention. His ability to bridge the gap between the traditional and the contemporary establishes him as a leading figure in Argentine alternative folklore. His work adds another dimension to this constantly evolving cultural movement.
Carlos Álvarez: Musical introspection in Girasol que mira dentro
With this work, Carlos Álvarez delves into alternative folklore from an introspective and sensitive perspective. Girasol que mira dentro is a work that explores the deepest human emotions, with lyrics laden with poetry and arrangements that fuse traditional elements with contemporary nuances. This album stands out for its minimalist and emotional approach, capturing the attention of fans of the genre.
Listen and buy "Sunflower that looks inside"
Icalma: To animate the passions
Icalma's album Para animar las pasions (To Enliven Passions) is a tribute to the connection between humanity and nature. This work is characterized by its rich instrumental and vocal quality, achieving a perfect balance between traditional sounds and modern arrangements. Icalma invites its audience on an emotional journey that evokes landscapes and emotions with unique intensity.
Listen and buy "To Encourage Passions"
Carolina Peleritti: Flutter
In Aleteo , Carolina Peleritti delivers a fresh and authentic offering that celebrates the essence of alternative folklore. With a voice that conveys strength and sensitivity, and arrangements that combine acoustic and electronic elements, Peleritti demonstrates that the genre can adapt to modern times without losing its authenticity.
Seba Ibarra: Everything came first
With his album Todo era primero , Seba Ibarra presents a personal and creative take on alternative folklore. This work stands out for its ability to tell stories through immersive melodies and original arrangements, achieving a special connection with the audience. His music reflects the richness of the traditions of northern Argentina, reinvented with a fresh and contemporary touch.
Listen and buy "Everything Was First"
Why explore alternative folklore?
Alternative folklore not only expands the possibilities of Argentine music, but also creates a bridge between the traditional and the modern. Whether through the intensity of Flamamé, the experimentation of La Colmena, the sensitivity of Carlos Álvarez, the emotional connection of Icalma, the authenticity of Carolina Peleritti, or the melodic stories of Seba Ibarra, this genre continues to grow as a space for creativity and cultural reinvention.
Exploring alternative folklore is discovering a tradition that lives on and that, with each new offering, finds fresh ways to resonate in the present.
Related artists: Flamamé , La Colmena, Yacaré Manso, Carlos Álvarez, Icalma, Carolina Peleritti, Seba Ibarra
Related styles: Alternative Folklore , Jazz